IAI signed a cooperation agreement with EDGE for the joint production of autonomous vessels for a variety of military applications

The aerospace industry has signed a cooperation agreement with EDGE for the joint production of autonomous vessels for a variety of military and commercial applications.
As part of the agreed collaboration, EDGE will leverage the capabilities of ADSB, the leading regional shipyard in the design, manufacture, maintenance, adjustments and conversions of vessels and commercial vessels. EDGE will design the platform, integrate the control systems and payloads, and develop the concept of operation. The aerospace industry will develop the autonomous control system and integrate a variety of dedicated payloads in the control units, in accordance with the mission requirements.
The autonomous vessels will be equipped with sensors, sonar and imaging systems that will be integrated into a unified system of command and control and operated remotely, semi-autonomously or fully, which does not require any human intervention at all. The vessels are designed to meet all customer requirements and provide unique capabilities in terms of modularity, payload, range, maneuverability and performance.
The military applications enabled by the autonomous vessels include intelligence, surveillance, observation, border and coast patrol capabilities, maritime security measures, mine detection, submarine detection and anti-submarine warfare, and the deployment of platforms for vertical takeoffs and landing. The ships will also be adapted for civilian applications such as oceanography, pollution monitoring, oil and gas drilling, transport of materials and liquids, search and rescue, firefighting and early intervention.
His Excellency Faisal al-Banai, CEO and President of the EDGE Group, said that “The establishment of the collaboration with leading defense companies such as the aerospace industry is an important milestone for EDGE, which is expected to strengthen our line of advanced technological products. This strategic alliance will allow us to ensure the availability of autonomous operational solutions that reduce the risk to human life, while addressing significant challenges in various industries, enabling a secure future for all. "These developments will open many doors for us in the world markets, both military and commercial."
IAI CEO Boaz Levy added: "We are proud to join forces with EDGE in this venture, which is another step in expanding the company's partnerships in the region. This collaboration combines the best technological knowledge of the two marine and commercial specialist companies of EDGE and ADBS, and together with the Israel Aerospace Industries in the field of autonomous systems, robotics and artificial intelligence. The joint technology that will be created in the United Arab Emirates will enable it to leverage business opportunities for the growth of the two companies. "